Angry children’s public argument goes mostly unnoticed

Brittany Whitley
Staff Writer
Published: January 29, 2008

The debate touched on economic issues, the conflict in Iraq and taxes, but mostly steered clear of social and domestic issues like abortion and gay rights.

At Thursday’s campus debate in Auburn University’s Thach Hall, representatives from the College Republicans, College Democrats and College Libertarians took sides in preparation for the Feb. 5 primary.

Democrat Damon Crane opened the debate, calling the current Republican policy a “strategy of desperation.”

“The warden’s time is coming to an end,” he said.

College Libertarian President Elizabeth Gentry opened the debate for her party, saying the government has overstepped its bounds and needs to be pulled back within limits.

Stephen Babitz took the stage for the Republicans and touched on many topics. He made the only social-issue statement of the night. Increasing the number of abortions is a bad idea, and it brings America down, he said.

For the most part, the debate remained civil. But at times, there were some harsh words.

When Libertarians suggested that illegal immigration should not be against the law, College Republican President Drew White responded quickly.

“Apparently Libertarians don’t believe in American Sovereignty,” he said.

“The idea we should fear terrorist is a crock to frighten you people,” said College Libertarian Luke McCulloch in response.

The Libertarians are endorsing presidential hopeful Ron Paul. They are the only student party endorsing a candidate for the primaries.

When asked, the Republicans said they do not endorse Paul because “he doesn’t understand foreign policy at all.”

On campus, all three parties are gearing up for the primary.

“There is more activity on campus,” said College Democrat President Jeffery Ioimo.

“There is a lot more desperation from the candidates for attention,” he added.

White said he feels like a lot of Republicans suffer from “lazy conservatism” in the South because of the solid Republican base.

But despite that, he said the party signed up 250 new voters last week.

“We’re going at this from a personal level,” said Gentry. She wants people to exercise their right to vote. “We are trying to tell people what the Libertarian ideals are.”